As I write this, I have one child home from college, one in the air en route after finishing up first semester, and one due home tomorrow night following his last full work week of 2019. I am so excited to have them all home and looking forward to family time.

I think many of my readers would be surprised to learn what I mean by family time because my modern family isn’t exactly traditional. I have been divorced for 11 years. My children’s father is happily remarried to an amazing woman. I am happily dating a terrific man, who has a lovely 17 year-old daughter. Family time includes all of these people, and often more. When we are lucky,and geographical location permits, family time includes grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I believe that family should be defined in the broadest way possible; so, family time also includes close friends who feel like family: people who love your children, cherish the connections, and support and celebrate you.

I can’t wait to cook together, share meals, play games, explore our amazing city and laugh (we do that a lot).

The holiday season is an opportunity to celebrate your unique family. Create traditions that honor your family and make it special. Try not to spend time focusing on what you don’t have or what you might wish you did. Rather, let gratitude for what you do have permeate your experiences.

Happy Holidays from my modern family to yours!